Deadly Violence at Lebanon’s Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian Refugee Camp Claims Six Lives, Leaves Seven Injured Disrupt UNRWA Operations

Six Killed in Violent Clashes at Palestinian Refugee Camp in Lebanon_1080p

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In a tragic turn of events, Ain al-Hilweh, Lebanon’s largest Palestinian refugee camp, witnessed a violent outbreak resulting in fatalities and injuries. The conflict erupted after an unidentified gunman attempted to assassinate Mahmoud Khalil, an armed militant Islamist group , leading to a series of clashes that claimed at least five lives and left seven others wounded.

Among the deceased was the Fatah commander, Ashraf al-Armouchi, whose killing and the subsequent violence drew condemnation from Palestinian officials. The camp’s notoriety for lawlessness and instability was further underscored as factional clashes ensued with the use of assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and hand grenades.

Ain al-Hilweh, established in 1948 to shelter Palestinians displaced during the Nakba, is home to an estimated 55,000 people. Tragically, the recent conflict disrupted normalcy in the camp, leading to damage to two UNRWA schools that serve approximately 2,000 students. Consequently, UNRWA was compelled to suspend all its operations in the camp, exacerbating the humanitarian situation.

Lebanon: The Palestinian Presidency: The assassination of members of the National Security Forces in Ain al-Hilweh camp crossed the red lines. pic.twitter.com/V2oAhTb320
— Project TABS (@ProjectTabs) July 30, 2023

As the clashes caused panic and fear among the local population, residents of Sidon, living near the camp, had to flee their homes to avoid stray bullets hitting buildings and endangering lives. The violence also resulted in collateral damage, with a mortar shell hitting a military barracks outside the camp and wounding a soldier.

Palestinian factions have been actively working to suppress the presence of militant Islamist groups and fugitives seeking refuge within the densely populated neighborhoods of Ain al-Hilweh camp. In 2017, tensions escalated into a nearly week-long, fierce confrontation between Palestinian factions and a militant organization associated with the extremist Islamic State group.

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, expressed concern over the clashes’ timing, deeming it suspicious in the context of regional and international dynamics. He urged the Palestinian leadership to cooperate with the army in maintaining security and called for those disrupting peace to be handed over to Lebanese authorities.

Anonymous Palestinian officials spoke to The Associated Press and said the fighting broke out after an unknown gunman tried to assassinate Islamist militant Mahmoud Khalil, killing a companion of his instead.

Another Palestinian official added that later, Islamist militants assassinated a Palestinian military general from the Fatah group and three escorts.Ein el-Hilweh is notorious for its lawlessness and violence is not uncommon.

In an attempt to restore calm, Palestinian factions, including Fatah, convened a meeting, which also saw the participation of the Lebanese Amal and Hezbollah movements. They agreed upon a ceasefire; however, local media reported that the fighting continued despite the agreement.

On Sunday, factions blazed away with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers and lobbed hand grenades in the camp as ambulances zoomed through its narrow streets to take the wounded to the hospital

The tragic events at Ain al-Hilweh serve as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, highlighting the urgency for sustainable solutions and measures to ensure peace and stability in the region. The loss of lives and disruption of humanitarian services underscore the need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of violence and work towards lasting peace in the camp and its surroundings.